Catalysis is a chemical process that is carried out to speed up chemical reactions. Thus, catalysts are heavily demanded in industries. It helps in saving time and improves the efficiency of the workforce. However, the composition of these catalysts cannot be afforded to be disposed of easily, as they comprise precious metals.
There are various ways in which these precious metals are extracted to make the most out of the waste. If you do not have much knowledge about how precious metals are recovered from chemical catalysts, read this article till the end.
What is a Chemical Catalyst?
A chemical catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. It helps the reaction by lowering the activation energy.
Essentially, a catalyst makes the reaction happen faster but remains unchanged at the end of the process. It enables the reaction to proceed more efficiently. This often leads to increased reaction rates and improved overall efficiency in various industrial and biological processes.
What Precious Metals are used in Chemical Catalysts?
Some commonly used precious metals in chemical catalysts are:
1. Platinum
Platinum is highly effective in catalyzing reactions involved in fuel cells and the petroleum industry. Its ability to absorb and release hydrogen makes it valuable in processes like hydrogenation.
2. Palladium
Palladium is widely used in automobile catalytic converters to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances. It is also employed in various organic synthesis reactions due to its versatility.
3. Rhodium
Rhodium is known for its catalytic properties in industrial processes like the production of nitric acid. It is often used in catalytic converters alongside palladium for vehicle emission control.
4. Gold
Gold nanoparticles serve as a chemical catalyst in selective oxidation reactions. Its catalytic applications extend to fields like green chemistry and pharmaceutical synthesis.
How do you recover precious metals from chemical catalysts?
Recovering precious metals from chemical catalysts is essential for economic and environmental reasons. Various methods are employed to retrieve and reuse these metals:
1. Acid Leaching
In acid leaching, catalysts undergo treatment with acids to dissolve and extract precious metals. This process yields a solution containing dissolved metals, which subsequently undergoes additional processes for metal recovery.
2. Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction involves the use of organic solvents to selectively extract and separate precious metals from the catalyst material. It is particularly effective in cases where acid leaching may not be suitable.
3. Ion Exchange
During ion exchange, catalysts are treated with ion-exchange resins. This process selectively captures precious metal ions. Subsequent procedures release and recover the metals from the resin, providing a controlled and efficient means of metal extraction.
Conclusion
Recovering precious metals from chemical catalysts is essential, considering the rising environmental challenges. Using such eco-friendly techniques also helps industries in making considerable savings. Moreover, these practices also positively impact a company’s brand image. This appreciation of goodwill indirectly results in a boost in sales. So, take a step towards saving these finite metals and benefit your business in the process.